JACKSON COUNTY - SEPTEMBER 21, 2021 - On September 20th at approximately 700 pm firefighters from the Hamilton Township Volunteer Fire Department was dispatched for a structure fire at Benson Hill located at Base Road and State Road 258.
Photo: Hamilton Township Volunteer Fire Department Jackson County
Automatic Aid was provided from Brownstown Fire Department and Pershing Township Fire Department. Due to the facility size and type of fire Seymour Fire Department was requested to respond with Ladder 1 and Redding Township Fire was requested as well.
Within 7 minutes of the initial dispatch Hamilton Township Fire Department arrived on scene and found a conveyor system on fire approximately 120 feet off the ground.
Upon making access to the system heavy fire was noted within the system. Seymour Ladder 1 was used for master stream operations and for firefighters to gain access to the grain bins and conveyor system. The fire was contained to the conveyor system with no extension to the grain bins. The facility is valued at approximately $45 million dollars and early damage estimates are approximately $250,000 according to Benson Hill representatives.
Approximately 40 firefighters spent 3.5 hours on scene. Agencies assisting Hamilton Township Fire where: Brownstown Fire Department, Pershing Township Fire Department, Seymour Fire Department, Redding Township Fire Department, Jackson County EMS, Jackson County Sheriff’s Department, and Jackson County EMA. Southwest Fire Department out of Bartholomew County provided standby coverage for Jackson County Departments.
Benson Hill takes soybeans varieties and produce protein soy for North American food ingredient markets.
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